The coordination number for the Al3+ ion is typically between four and six. Use the anion coordination number to determine the Al3 + coordination number in the following compounds: (a) AlF3 where the fluoride ions are two coordinate.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the coordination number of the fluoride ions, which is given as two.
2. Understand that the coordination number of the cation (Al^{3+}) is determined by the number of anions it is bonded to.
3. In AlF_3, each fluoride ion is bonded to two Al^{3+} ions, indicating a bridging role.
4. Calculate the total number of fluoride ions surrounding one Al^{3+} ion by considering the stoichiometry of the compound.
5. Conclude that the coordination number of Al^{3+} is determined by the number of fluoride ions it coordinates with, based on the structure of AlF_3.

Key Concepts

Coordination Number

The coordination number refers to the number of ligand atoms that are bonded to a central metal ion in a coordination complex. It is a crucial concept in coordination chemistry, as it influences the geometry and stability of the complex. For example, a coordination number of four typically leads to a tetrahedral arrangement, while six results in an octahedral geometry.

Ligands

Ligands are ions or molecules that can donate a pair of electrons to a central metal ion, forming coordinate covalent bonds. They can vary in their ability to coordinate, with some being monodentate (binding through one atom) and others being polydentate (binding through multiple atoms). The nature and number of ligands significantly affect the properties and reactivity of the metal complex.

Anion Coordination

Anion coordination refers to the arrangement and bonding of anions around a central cation in a coordination compound. The coordination number of the cation can be influenced by the coordination number of the anions. In the case of AlF3, where fluoride ions have a coordination number of two, this suggests that the aluminum ion can effectively coordinate with multiple fluoride ions, leading to a specific overall coordination number for Al3+.